Anmitsu

Anmitsu is a delightful traditional Japanese dessert that dates back to the Meiji era. This sweet treat features small cubes of agar jelly, a translucent jelly made from red algae. The jelly can be dissolved in water or fruit juice, such as apple juice, adding a subtle flavor.

When you order anmitsu, you'll typically receive a bowl filled with these agar jelly cubes, accompanied by sweet azuki bean paste (anko), boiled peas, gyūhi (a type of soft mochi), and various fruits like peach slices, mikan (Japanese citrus), pineapple pieces, and cherries. To top it all off, a small pot of sweet black syrup called mitsu is provided for you to pour over the jelly, enhancing the sweetness. Anmitsu is usually enjoyed with a spoon and fork.

There are a few popular variations of anmitsu. Mitsumame, for instance, omits the bean paste and instead features peas, syrup, and agar jelly. Another version, Cream Anmitsu, includes a delicious scoop of ice cream on top. If you're looking for additional toppings, shiratama dango (chewy rice flour dumplings) is a favorite choice. Enjoying anmitsu is like taking a sweet and refreshing journey through traditional Japanese flavors.